Machines

Definition

This term refers to the depiction of machines or the use of mechanical elements in art, often exploring themes of technology, industrialization, and the relationship between humans and machines, a subject that has been prominent in art since the Industrial Revolution and continues to be a focus in contemporary art, particularly in the context of digital and robotic technologies.

History

The depiction of machines in art became particularly significant during the Industrial Revolution, where artists began to explore the impact of technology on society and the environment. The Futurist movement celebrated the power and dynamism of machines, while Dada artists like Jean Tinguely used mechanical elements to create kinetic sculptures that critique the relationship between humans and machines.

Notable Examples

NALA term preview

Fernand Léger

The City, 1919

NALA term preview

Jean Tinguely

Méta-Matic No. 6, 1959

Key Artists & Movements

Key figures include Fernand Léger, whose works often depict machines and urban life in a bold, geometric style that celebrates modernity, and Jean Tinguely, whose kinetic sculptures use mechanical parts to create self-destructing, performative artworks that challenge traditional notions of art and technology.

Techniques & Materials

Techniques involve the use of traditional media, such as painting and sculpture, as well as the incorporation of actual mechanical elements, such as motors, gears, and electronics, to create kinetic or interactive works. Artists may explore the aesthetics of machines, the impact of technology on society, or the relationship between organic and mechanical forms, often using machines as both subject and medium in their work.

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